Rambus Introduces R+ LPDDR3 Memory Architecture

Rambus, a developer of memory and interface solutions, on Monday introduced its first LPDDR3 offering targeted at the mobile industry. In the Rambus R+ solution set, the R+ LPDDR3 memory architecture is fully compatible with DFI and JEDEC industry standards while providing improved power and performance. This allows customers to differentiate their products in a cost-effective manner with improved time-to-market.

“The R+ LPDDR3 technology enables the mobile market to use our controller and DRAM solutions to provide unprecedented levels of performance, with a significant power savings,” said Kevin Donnelly, senior vice president and general manager of the memory and interface division at Rambus.

The R+ LPDDR3 architecture includes both a controller and a DRAM interface and can reduce active memory system power by up to 25% and supports data rates of up to 3200MHz, which is double the performance of existing LPDDR3 technologies. These improvements to power efficiency and performance enable longer battery life and enhanced mobile device functionality for streaming HD video, gaming and data-intensive apps. The R+ LPDDR3 is also available with Rambus’ collaborative design and integration services. Rambus provides silicon-proven design of R+ LPDDR3 memory controller in Globalfoundries’ 28nm-SLP process technology. It is unclear which memory makers will product R+ LPDDR3 chips.

The seed to the improved power and performance offered by the R+ LPDDR3 architecture is a low-swing implementation of the Rambus near ground signaling technology. Essentially, this single-ended, ground-terminated signaling technology allows devices to achieve higher data rates with significantly reduced IO power. The R+ LPDDR3 architecture is built from ground up to be backward compatible with LPDDR3 supporting same protocol, power states and existing package definitions and system environments.

“Since this technology is a part of our R+ platform, beyond the improvements in power and performance, we’re also maintaining compatibility with today’s standards to ensure our customers have all the benefits of the Rambus’ superior technology with reduced adoption risk,” added Mr. Donnely.